Brazil vs. Chile: Penalty Shootout Proves Hosts Mentally Ready for Run at Title

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 28, 2014

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Brazil, it's okay to breathe again.

The host nation narrowly defeated rival Chile 3-2 on penalty kicks to move into the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup.

Brazil's David Luiz and Chile's Alexis Sanchez each scored in the first half, and 120 minutes of sometimes beautiful, always intense play wasn't enough to separate these talented teams. In the end, the game had to be decided from the penalty spot.

Although two of Brazil's penalty kicks failed to find the back of the net, the team's overall calmness and composure, from the beginning of extra time to Gonzalo Jara's fateful missed penalty, proved the hosts are capable of handling the enormous pressure that will follow them on their way to a World Cup title.



There was no waffling or second thoughts about who would take the penalties for Brazil. One by one, the Brazilian players marched into the penalty box, ready to take some of the biggest kicks of their lives.

Two players in particular, Neymar and goalkeeper Julio Cesar, did the most to prove this team has the leadership necessary to beat any team in this tournament.

After Luiz calmly buried the first penalty for Brazil, Cesar made an excellent save on Mauricio Pinilla's nervous kick. Willian then stubbed his shot, leaving Cesar in a tough spot.

Cesar stepped up again, just as he had all game long, to save Sanchez's off-center blast. His performance provoked this response from Grantland's Brian Phillips:



Cesar was seen as a potential weak link before this tournament, having barely played for Queens Park Rangers in 2013 before a loan move to Toronto FC of Major League Soccer. Rather than look out of sorts in the tournament like Spain keeper Iker Casillas, who missed most of the 2013-14 season, Cesar has looked at his best at times.

Brazil's attacking style needs a goalkeeper who can cover up the occasional mistake, and Cesar pro...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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